Bears’ senior offensive lineman Christian Matau, a commit to play at East Carolina, was originally invited to play in the Shrine Bowl. Matau will be forced to miss the game because of a knee injury.

“The (North Carolina) coach called me and said they had liked (Jachin) all along, and something happened to one of their other running backs, and he was the only (replacement) they discussed,” Curlings said.

Watkins is a bruising tailback, but has an abundance of speed.

The UNC-Charlotte commit has nearly 1,000 rushing yards with 15 touchdowns. He also has three receiving scores.

Watkins has four 100-yard rushing games, including last week’s 103-yard performance in New Bern’s 41-17 win over Hoggard in the second round of the 4-A state playoffs.

“He can do it all,” Curlings said. “He is smart enough to call the pass protection stuff out, he is physical enough to block and get tough yardage and he is quick enough to get on the outside. He also has good enough hands to be a passing threat. They are getting a complete package.”

The Shrine Bowl is not only about the football game. The players attend mixers, listen to a guest speaker, practice and visit the Shriner’s Hospital.

“I’m expecting to meet a whole lot of new people that I haven’t met before, maybe future teammates or people I will be playing against in the future,” Watkins said.

At the Shrine Bowl Combine, in the offseason, Watkins ran the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds.

Watkins believes he is one of the best running backs in the state, and is looking forward to the opportunity to prove that.

“I feel that I am one of the best in the state, not being cocky, but being confident,” he said. “I am going to step up. I am expecting nothing but the best. I’m going to play with the best and try to beat the best.

While the Shrine Bowl is still a month away, Watkins is focused on leading New Bern deeper into the 4-A state playoffs.

The Bears (12-0) host New Hanover on Friday. The winner advances to the Eastern Regional Finals.

“Right now, my focus is on finishing the playoffs and winning a state championship, then I will worry about the Shrine Bowl,” Watkins said. “As of right now, I want to help get this team that ring.”

Adam Thompson can be reached at 252-635-5669 or at Adam.Thompson@newbernsj.com. Follow Adam on Twitter @Adam_matic.

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